Do you often receive mysterious calls and ask, "Who just called me from this number?" If so, this guide is perfect for curious and cautious individuals seeking to uncover the identity of unknown callers. Understanding who’s behind those calls is essential for protecting your privacy and safety.
However, using unreliable methods can lead to misinformation or put your security at risk. As a Guru99 reviewer, I’m here to walk you through trusted and effective strategies for identifying unknown callers, helping you stay informed and secure.
After spending over 90 hours researching, I have reviewed 30+ phone number lookup services. My in-depth and unbiased analysis provides a comprehensive look at the features, pros, and cons, helping you make an informed decision and save time. This phone lookup tools guide is based on verified information and insightful research.
Table of Contents
Who Called Me From This Phone Number: Top Free Lookup Tools
Spokeo
Best Overall apps to find who called you.
Spokeo is one of the best ways to discover who calls you from an unknown phone number. I particularly appreciate that it is a free search engine for mobile phones and web browsers. It is perfect for getting the details of any person in the USA without having to register on the site. Your actions on the site are anonymous and can't be tracked by third parties. I liked how it concealed my IP address and helped me use the site securely.
Spokeo confirms that it accesses records solely from public sources, including birth certificates, criminal records databases, and phone bills. Any information collected and displayed on the search result is publicly available, making the search process legal. The search report includes information related to caller ID, any family member, known associates, phone numbers, age and date of birth, traffic tickets, and email addresses.
Spokeo Features:
Address Lookup:
It identifies who lives at a particular address using a phone number. I received other details about the phone number owner, such as their previous address, current neighbor's information, and more.
Reverse Phone Lookup:
It allowed me to look up several spam phone numbers. Spokeo offered me a detailed report about these numbers, such as the owner's name, age, gender, occupation, address, social media profiles, aliases, email address, marital status, etc.
Public Record Search:
You can access a person's criminal records, marriage records, divorce records, etc. I needed some background information for a family genealogy project, and Spokeo's public records database helped me find marriage and court records, adding rich detail to our family tree.
Email Lookup:
I once used Spokeo's email lookup to verify the identity of someone who had contacted me. It gave me background information about the person, including their social media accounts and public profiles.
Criminal Records Check:
I once used Spokeo to perform a quick criminal records check on a potential business partner. The transparency gave me peace of mind and helped me make an informed decision.
Business Search:
I tried the business lookup tool to research a company I was considering working with. Spokeo provided me with the company's history, contact details, and even some reviews from associated individuals.
Extensive Database:
It has 130 million property records, 6 billion consumer records, 3.9 billion historical records, 600 million court records, 89 million business records, 120+ social networks, and more.
Intelius
Best for Offering a high level of customer security and privacy.
Intelius is one of the best reverse phone lookup websites for checking who calls you. I was curious when I received a call from an unknown number. I turned to Intelius, hoping to uncover the identity behind the call. The reverse phone lookup tool was straightforward, allowing me to quickly access valuable information about the caller, which eased my concerns and satisfied my curiosity.
When users enter an unknown phone number, its system automatically fetches the person's identity or business behind it. It reports relevant details like the name, address, age, possible relatives, and the type of phone they use. You can have a quick search on the website reports for free. This report includes the unknown number's location, line type, and carrier. This tool adheres strictly to the Fair Credit Reporting Act for user safety. You can also opt out of their cookies or delete your data by visiting their website.
Intelius Features:
Subscriber Anonymity:
It ensures complete privacy for users' identities and activities. Hence, the phone number owner will never be updated about your searches.
Reverse Phone Lookup:
I once had an unknown number frequently calling me, and Intelius's reverse phone lookup feature helped me identify the caller. It gave details like the caller's name, location, and carrier information.
People Search:
I used Intelius to look up people's details by entering their names. It provided comprehensive information like addresses, phone numbers, and even relatives, which made reconnecting with old acquaintances straightforward.
Background Details:
It helped me run a background check on the unknown numbers. This report showed me their criminal and traffic records, education history, liens, bankruptcies, etc.
Reverse Address Lookup:
I utilized the reverse address lookup feature to gather information about properties and their owners. This helped me understand neighborhood dynamics and property histories without contacting real estate agents.
Intuitive Mobile App:
Their mobile app allowed me to perform searches on the go. It had a user-friendly interface and maintained the same level of accuracy and depth as the desktop version.
Property Records Search:
I used Intelius to access detailed property records, including ownership history, property value, and related data. It was helpful during a real estate transaction.
BeenVerified
Best For the go-to choice for everyday information.
BeenVerified is a people, contact information, vehicle, and address search tool. It can help you identify your long-lost friends and family members. I could also use it to help generate better leads for my company and improve customer data.
It helped me identify unknown numbers and missed calls quickly. It can also help users search for unclaimed money and obituaries. Additionally, BeenVerified's comprehensive reports and user-friendly interface made it easy for me to access valuable information. Its services can also be utilized for background checks and property searches, adding to its versatility.
BeenVerified Features:
Phone Lookup Report:
I received a detailed report using its phone lookup service. The report included data such as the contact number's possible name, aliases, other associated phone numbers, and social media profiles.
Address Details:
Its contact lookup can help you locate the phone number owner's current and past addresses. Apart from their residence, I could also view the locations they were associated with in the past, such as school or college.
Background Checks:
The background check feature was invaluable when I needed to ensure safety, especially for online dating or hiring. It provided comprehensive reports, though I sometimes noticed missing details that required further verification.
Email Search:
I used the email search function to track long-lost colleagues and friends. While it was generally effective, some searches returned no results, which was frustrating.
Unclaimed Property Search:
The unclaimed property search allowed me to check if there were any funds or assets in my name that I wasn't aware of. This feature was a pleasant surprise and added value to my experience.
Images:
I could find several photos associated with the phone number, as BeenVerified can dig up pictures from all social media, including dating profiles.
Fraud Scan:
When I first accessed the Fraud Scan feature, I was impressed by its ability to analyze email addresses for validity and risk signals. This tool was handy in protecting me from scams and phishing attempts.
PeopleLooker
Best Site to Find Out Who Called You.
PeopleLooker is a well-known people search engine providing extensive information searches. It makes protecting yourself from scammers easier with the proper knowledge. I received a call from an unknown number and felt compelled to find out who it was. I turned to PeopleLooker for help. The reverse phone lookup feature was easy to use, quickly providing detailed information about the caller, easing my curiosity and concerns.
Furthermore, PeopleLooker’s services are simple and fast, as it can generate reliable reports within a few minutes. Additionally, you can conduct other types of searches on the website, including email, address, and name searches.
PeopleLooker Features:
Reverse Phone Lookup:
When I received calls from unknown numbers, the reverse phone lookup allowed me to identify the caller quickly. I appreciated how it provided the name and background information associated with the number.
Detailed Report:
I received reports with details like their names, photos, addresses, email addresses, relatives’ information, and more. I appreciated the report monitoring feature that alerted me to any changes in public records related to individuals I was interested in.
People Sitemap:
PeopleLooker offers a people sitemap with 50 pages that include all American names you can look up. You may find the person you are looking for on these pages by using their name and locating their details.
Secured Anonymous Searches:
I could look up phone numbers without worrying about data security and anonymity. PeopleLooker keeps all the searches confidential and anonymous and has a “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” option.
Address Lookup:
I utilized the address lookup tool to gather information about specific locations, including ownership history and associated records. This helped me understand more about neighborhoods when considering moving.
Vast Database:
With billions of data points in their database, PeopleLooker enables me to search for unknown phone numbers. I found it easy to access various public records, including marriage and divorce records, property ownership, and court cases, all in one place.
Social Catfish
Best For Identifying Any Unknown Caller within a Matter of Seconds.
Social Catfish is a free reverse phone number lookup service. I reviewed it and discovered that it can check the caller ID from unknown numbers for free. All you have to do is enter the digits of the phone number in the search bar and wait for it to scan.
The site contains a database that can unearth the caller ID, social media profile, address, and location of the person who called you. It also displays information on their family members and any criminal record.
Social Catfish Features:
Phone Number Lookup:
Enter the phone number and let Social Catfish scan it. This will bring up complete details about the phone number owner, including their full name, age, gender, email address, social media profiles, and more.
Email Lookup:
This feature helps you look up email addresses associated with a person. It provides a full report on the person by offering their contact information, name, etc.
Public Record Search:
I could access a person’s criminal, marriage, divorce, previous job records, etc. It also looks up news articles and court records to find various information.
Address Lookup:
With this feature, I could find out who lives at a specific address and the owner’s contact information.
Fully Anonymous:
Social Catfish keeps your searches entirely anonymous. Hence, the target phone number owner is never notified when you look them up.
Instant Checkmate
Best For Providing the largest reverse phone lookup directory
Public information, all in one place! Instant checkmate simplifies background checks for the living and the deceased. I particularly appreciate that this app helps avoid unknown calls from telemarketers by blocking them once the phone number is identified or calling back if you missed a call from a known person.
Some of the information in the report includes social media profiles and contact information. The site also offers a reverse phone lookup that helps you know more about the person who called you.
Instant Checkmate Features:
Reverse Phone Lookup Services:
It helps to discover details about any unknown caller. I could determine who the owner was and acquired their photos, videos, social media addresses, e-commerce site accounts, and more.
Background Check:
The feature includes social media profiles and contact information in one place. I could also find their criminal and traffic records violations and other details.
Name Directory:
It has a First and Last name list from A to Z to help you find details about people. With my subscription, I enjoyed unlimited access to background reports each month.
People Search:
I frequently used the people search feature to locate individuals by name. This tool provided detailed reports that included contact information, possible relatives, and even social media profiles, making it easy to reconnect with friends.
Inmate Search:
One of Instant Checkmate’s unique capabilities is its Inmate Search, which can help you find any prisoner or federal inmate. When concerned about a friend’s well-being, the nationwide inmate search tool allowed me to check if they had been incarcerated.
Social Media Check:
This feature enabled me to uncover an individual’s social media profiles and online presence. It was beneficial for understanding more about someone’s life without asking directly.
TruthFinder
Best For Finding Additional Information.
Focusing on criminal and traffic background and contact information, I assessed TruthFinder, a people search engine that leverages public record sources. Its reverse phone lookup feature is excellent for discovering who the number belongs to and whether the call was from a landline or a mobile phone. TruthFinder is free to download on Android and iOS. However, there are in-app purchases that give you access to more features and information than the free version.
TruthFinder Features:
Reverse Phone Lookup:
It helped me identify the phone numbers of unknown callers, whether from landlines or cell phones. I could also find details about their name, age, social media, and more.
Public Records Search:
It provides detailed information from public sources, including criminal and traffic records, social media profiles, and contact information. I could also view their birth date, current address, employment history, bankruptcies, etc.
Background Check:
You can use it to run a background check on the callers once you identify their names. It provides in-depth reports on them, including their financial health, romantic linkups, arrest records, etc.
Financial Checks:
I appreciated the financial checks that TruthFinder offered, allowing me to assess any financial risks associated with individuals or businesses. This capability was handy in business dealings.
Education and Employment Verification:
TruthFinder enabled me to validate educational backgrounds and employment histories, reducing the risk of hiring unqualified candidates. This feature was essential for ensuring that I made sound hiring decisions.
People Directory:
TruthFinder has a First and Last Name search on its website that includes all the names from A to Z.
Whitepages
Best For Providing top-notch service for revealing personal information about anyone.
In evaluating Whitepages, a prominent people search engine for unknown caller identification, I discovered a legal and transparent approach. Whitepages relies solely on publicly available information from relevant databases to identify callers and their phone carriers.
The search report from its extensive database includes cell phone numbers, landlines, contacts, and other valuable information. You can also get property and business details, financial records, and fraud ratings. Whitepages also provides reports on search statistics, lien records, and professional licenses.
Whitepages Features:
Reverse Phone Lookup:
This free reverse lookup service helps you identify an unknown phone number. Whitepages search billions of US phone numbers and provide up-to-date information.
Business Search:
It gives you businesses' telephone numbers and email addresses. The phone number lookup also includes several standard phone numbers, which is beneficial.
Reverse Address Lookup:
Useful for identifying phone numbers, it offers knowledge about the caller and information regarding the house or property owner at the current address.
People Search:
I used a person’s name to obtain details such as their relatives, contacts, and addresses. It also helped me find people using names available on its Names Directory.
Background Check:
WhitePages offered a robust background check service that allowed me to access criminal records, financial histories, and public records. I could collect social media and contact information from its background check.
Truecaller
It is the best tool to find out which number is calling me and fight off unwanted calls.
With Truecaller, an unknown caller ID app, you can see who’s calling before you pick up, revealing their contact information. Its ability to use information from other networks to tag calls as spam or safe is very effective. This enables you to selectively answer only safe calls and block the rest, offering a robust defense against unwanted callers.
The information you’ll get from the search includes phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, and names of people associated with an individual or an address. You can also locate where the call comes from before picking up or blocking it.
Truecaller Features:
Caller ID:
It helps you learn more about the person calling me from unknown phone numbers. You don’t have to look up the number; it can directly display the owner’s name when you get an incoming call.
Spam Blocking:
The community reports any spam phone number, and Truecaller automatically blocks these unwanted calls.
Messaging:
With Truecaller, I didn’t have to switch between apps to send text messages. I could set it as my default messaging app and use it.
Intelligent Dialer:
This feature lets you know the correct identity of the person you’re calling by displaying their name.
Ghost Call Feature:
You can make or schedule ghost phone calls that help you avoid real-life spammers and find out about the person behind the unknown calls.
Star Call Feature:
I could mark essential calls with a star and add notes about why they were significant. This feature helped me keep track of crucial conversations and follow up when necessary.
What Is a Reverse Phone Lookup Service?
A reverse phone lookup is an online application or a website that helps you find the owner of a phone number. When we receive a call from an unidentified contact, we are eager to find out who called us; thus, this service solves this issue.
It allows you to trace the phone number’s details when you enter it in the tool’s online search database or website. The service then uses its databases and publicly available information of the number holder to generate accurate results and identify the phone number. It includes information like the name and address of the owner.
These services also offer other features like background checks. Hence, when you look up the owner's phone number, you will receive details about their criminal records, job history, marriage and divorce records, and more.
How Did We Choose the Best Sites to See Who is Calling Me?
At Guru99, we provide credible, accurate, and objective information. Our editorial process thoroughly reviews all content to deliver reliable resources. After dedicating over 90 hours to reviewing 30+ phone number lookup services, I have compiled a comprehensive guide highlighting each tool's key features, pros, and cons. This research helps you make an informed decision and save time. When choosing a phone lookup service, selecting one that offers accurate results and user-friendly features is essential. Check out below important factors to consider when picking the best option for identifying unknown callers.
Unlimited Reverse Lookup:
The provider must offer unlimited reverse phone number and address lookup searches. This functionality helps check a phone number and find the person’s name, address, and other details related to the contact.
Public Record Search:
Make sure it provides public record search as it allows you to view detailed information from public databases. Such data include criminal records, marriage and divorce records, job records, and more.
Business Directory:
Using this feature, you can determine if the business you associate with is legitimate. You can also acquire information about the company’s local address, international business, and services.
Instant and Accurate Result:
The site for checking who called me on this phone should provide instant and accurate results. As per our review, Intelius and Spokeo process queries instantly and accurately.
Privacy and Security:
Ensure the site offers its users total security and privacy and maintains your anonymity.
Reasons to Check Who’s Calling You?
Whenever an unknown number calls, or we get a miss call, our first tendency is to call back and check who called us. However, that is not always the best action; instead, you can use services that help you identify whose phone number this is; thus, here are the reasons to find out who is calling you.
Block Scammers:
Checking who called you helps you identify scammers so you can block them instantly.
Avoid Spammers:
We are all aware of how annoying spam calls are. Hence, you can avoid these spammers when you find out who’s calling you.
Background:
The individual who contacted you may have a criminal record you are unaware of; therefore, doing a background check can steer you clear of the problems.
To Take the Right Action:
When you know the caller, you can take the necessary action regarding the individual or their number.
Avoid Bot Calls:
Checking who calls you also helps avoid robocalls and bot ad spam.
Per my review, you can use reliable reverse phone lookup services like Intelius, Truthfinder, and SocialCatfish.
FAQs